Congress MPs Trade Barbs With Government Over Parliament Attendance

Venugopal’s sharp critique followed remarks from Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who insisted that the opposition lacks the authority to dictate ministerial schedules. Rijiju maintained that Shah remains present within the Parliament complex throughout the day, refuting allegations of neglect. According to the minister, the responsibility for addressing specific house business lies with the assigned portfolio holder, not the opposition leadership.

Simultaneously, the Congress party is navigating administrative pushback regarding its 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' event. After the management of KP College in Prayagraj revoked permission for the rally, citing academic disruption and Allahabad High Court guidelines, the party successfully navigated a reversal of that decision. Despite threats of interference, Venugopal remains defiant, inviting the public to attend the program as scheduled on August 8. Rahul Gandhi has characterized these obstacles as deliberate attempts by the administration to stifle his engagement with students, vowing to persist in his efforts to highlight their concerns despite the ongoing friction.